Sri Lankan Navy arrested 38 Indian fishermen and captured nine fishing vessels last night in two separate actions.

Confirming the arrests to All India Radio, Navy Spokesman Commander Kosala Warnakulasuriya said that 20 fishermen were arrested near Thalaimannar coast as they were violating the
International Maritime Boundary Line and poaching in Sri Lankan waters.

He said that the fishermen will be handed over to the fisheries department officials in Thalaimannar today, to be produced before a magistrate for further legal action. 18 fishermen caught near Delft Island are being taken to Kankesanthurai and will also be handed over to civilian authorities, he added.

As per the latest policy of the Sri Lankan government, it is expected that the fishermen may be released after a brief custody, but their boats will not be returned. A notice will be sent to the owners of the boats to show cause why the intruding boats may not be impounded.